Treat yourself to these delightful Strawberry Truffles! These truffles are soft, creamy, and perfectly flavored with a hint of strawberry, making them a wonderful homemade treat for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS
- White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, to create a smooth and creamy base for the truffles.
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup, adds a rich, buttery flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 3 tablespoons, for a luscious, creamy texture.
- Strawberry Extract: ½ teaspoon, to infuse the truffles with a delicate strawberry flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: ¼ teaspoon, enhances the flavor depth of the truffles.
- Pink Food Coloring: 1 drop, optional, for a soft pink hue that makes these truffles look as good as they taste.
- Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup, for coating, adding a lightly sweet finish to each truffle.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the White Chocolate Base
- Place the white chocolate chips in a medium-sized mixing bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat the Cream and Butter
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Step 3: Combine with Chocolate
- Once the butter and cream mixture reaches a simmer, pour it over the white chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then whisk until smooth.
- Step 4: Flavor and Color
- Add the strawberry extract, vanilla extract, and one drop of pink food coloring (if desired). Stir until all ingredients are well combined. If any chocolate pieces remain unmelted, microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Step 5: Chill the Mixture
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape into balls.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these strawberry truffles chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- These truffles make an excellent gift! Arrange them in a decorative box or wrap them individually for a special touch.
Helpful Notes
- To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, allow the butter and cream mixture to simmer gently without boiling, as this will prevent the chocolate from seizing.
- If the truffle mixture feels too sticky to roll, refrigerate for an additional 15-30 minutes until firm enough to handle.
- The pink food coloring is optional, but it adds a lovely touch, especially if these truffles are for a themed event or holiday.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten suggests using high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and consistency in truffles.
- Chef Jacques Torres recommends coating truffles in powdered sugar to give them a delicate finish without adding excess sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and easy to make, yet incredibly elegant and perfect for special occasions.
- Infused with a light strawberry flavor, making these truffles both refreshing and indulgent.
- Great as a sweet treat, gift, or even as a party favor!
Variations
- For a richer flavor, try adding a touch of melted dark chocolate to the truffle mixture.
- Experiment with other extracts, like almond or coconut, to create different flavor profiles.
- Roll the truffles in shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts for an extra texture and flavor boost.